Dispensing mechanism for vending machines



1964 A. w. HOLSTEIN ETAL 3,161,319

DISPENSING MECHANISM FOR VENDING MACHINES 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec.

FIGZ.

FIGI.

II mfg A W 54.- W, 6 SMLA a n-J Dec. 15, 1964 A w, HOLSTEIN ETAL3,161,319

DISPENSING MECHANISM FOR VENDING MACHINES 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec.

FIG .7.

15, 1964 A. w. HOLSTEIN ETAL DISPENSING MECHANISM FOR VENDING MACHINES 4Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 26, 1961 FIG I0.

United States Patent Ollice 3, l b l ,3 l 9 Patented Dec. 15, 19543,161,319 DISPENSING MEHANHM Fhk VENDING MACHENES Alvin W. Holstein,Brentwood, and James T. Schuller, St. Anns, Mo, assignors, by rnesneassignments, to Universal Match Corporation, Ferguson, Mo, a corporationof Delaware Filed Dec. 26, 1961, Ser. No. 161,336 7 Claims. (Cl. 221-45)This invention relates to dispensing mechanism for vending machines, andmore particularly to a magazine type of article dispensing mechanism ofthe class in which articles such as candy bars are placed on pivotedshelves located one above another, and dispensed by successivelytripping the shelves starting with :the lowermost shelf.

This invention specifically is an improvement on the dispensingmechanism shown in Holstein US. Patent 2,896,817 issued July 28, 1959.This patent shows a dispensing mechanism of the type above described(which may be referred to as the drop-shelf type of article dispensingmechanism), and in which release of a shelf is effected by pull-out andreturn of an ejector bar (desig-' nated 97' in the patent), with thearrangement such that the shelf is released for full free downward swingupon return of the ejector bar. Each shelf, upon release, rapidly swingsdownward to drop the candy bar (or other article) thereon. The drop ofthe shelf may be so rapid that the candy bar (or other article thereon)drops more or less flatwise instead of tilting down with the shelf anddropping more or less endwise. This may be undesirable particularly inthe case of longer candy bars or other relatively long articles becauseof the possibility of such articles becoming jammed in the magazine dueto their dropping flatwise instead of endwise.

Accordingly, among the several objects of this invention may be notedthe provision of an improved drop-shelf article dispensing mechanismwhich assures more or less endwise article drop (as distinguished frommore or less flatwise article drop) to avoid the possibility of jammingof articles in the mechanism; and the provision of such an improvedmechanism which is economical to manufacture and reliable in operation.In general, the improved mechanism involves the provision of meansoperative upon release of each shelf for delaying the downward swing ofthe shelf to give the article on the shelf time to tilt down r the sheland then to allow the shelf to complete its downward swing so thatflatwise drop of the article is avoided. More particularly, thearrangement is such as to arrest the downward swing of each shelf and.temporarily hold it in an intermediate position on pull-out of anejector bar, and then to allow the shelf to complete its drop on returnof the ejector bar. Other objects and features will be in part apparentand in part pointed out hereinafter.

T invention accordingly comprises the constructions hereinafterdescribed, the scope of the invention being indicated in the followingclaims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which one of various possibleembodiments of the invention is illustrated.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a magazine embodying thisinvention, acentral portion of the magazine being broken away;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the magazine, a central portion of themagazine again being broken away;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the magazine, on a larger scale than FIGS.1 and 2, a portion being broken away;

FIG. 4 is a vertical section taken on line 44 of FIG. 3 and showing theupper three shelves of the mechanism, the uppermost shelf and the secondshelf down from the top being shown in their horizontal articlecarryingposition, and the third shelf down from the top being shown in itsreleased position hanging downward;

PEG. 5 is a horizontal section taken on line 55 of FIG. 4, omitting atrip on the next shelf above;

FIG. 6 is a fragment of FIG. 5 illustrating a moved position of ports;

FIG. 7 is a vertical section taken on line 77 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged horizontal section taken on line 8-8 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a vertical section taken on line 9-9 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 4-, showing the third shelf down fromthe top in its arrested intermediate inclined position (as distinguishedfrom its completely released FlG. 4 position); and

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary rear elevation.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

Referring to the drawings, a magazine of the type shown in U.S. Patent2,896,817 and improved in accordance with this invention is designatedin its entirety by the reference character M. The magazine is shown to.comprise a frame or support generally designated 1 supporting aplurality of pivoted article-carrying shelves. The frame or support 1comprises a vertical sheet metal channel member 3 and a vertical sideplate 5. The side flanges of the channel member are designated *7 and 9.The web of the channel member, which constitutes the back of themagazine M, is designated 21. This has a plurality of rectangularopenings 12. The vertical side plate is secured to the outside of theflange 9 of the channel 3. This plate 5 has an outwardly olfset portion13 forward of the flange 9. The channel 3 is longer than the plate 5 andextends down below the lower edge of the plate.

The article-carrying shelves are located one above the other. Forsimplifying the disclosure, only six shelves are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.It will be understood, however, that a commercial embodiment of themagazine will have more than six shelves. For example, a typicalcommercial magazine will have twenty shelves. The shelves, which are allidentical, are generally designated by the reference character 15, thebottom shelf being specially designated 15b and the top shelf 15f. Eachis pivotally mounted at its rearward end between the flanges 7 and 9 ofthe channel 3 for swinging movement on a horizontal axis, by means of aspecial hinge member 17 to be described.

Each shelf, which is preferably a one-piece plastic molding, has anintegral downwardly directed flange 19 at its rearward end. Integrallymolded reinforcing ribs for the shelf are indicated at 21 and 23. Ateach of the lower corners of the flange 19, and on the back of theflange, hinge eyes 25 and 2'7 are provided for the hinge member 17.These may be molded as integral parts of the shelf. Hinge member 17comprises a piece of spring wire, bent so as to have a loop portion 29of inverted U- shape, and horizontal hinge pin portions 31 and 33 whichextend laterally outward from the ends of the sides of the loop portion.Pin 31 is slidably received in the eye 25, and pin 33 is slidablyreceived in the eye 27. As to each of the shelves, pin 31 is slidablyand rotatably received in a hole 35 in the flange 7 of channel 3, andpin 33 is slidably and rotatably received in a hole 37 in the flange 9.Also, for each of the shelves, the side plate 5 has a hole 39 in linewith the hole 37 for receiving the pin 33.

The loop 29 extends upward on the back of the shelf flange l9 and isconfined against swinging outward away rom the flange 19 by having oneof its sides received in a notch 41 in a lug 43 which projects rearwardfrom the 89 for engagement 3 back of the flange 19. This lug may bemolded as an integral partof the shelf. The lower end of the stated sideof the loop is engageable with a stud 45 which projects rearward fromthe back of flange 19. This stud may be molded as an integral pant ofthe shelf. The flange 19 has an opening 47 for access to the other sideof the loop from the front of flange 19. The arrangement is such that atool, such as a screw driver, may be inserted in the opening 47 from thefront for pushing the accessible side of the loop toward its other sideto retract the pin 31 from the hole 35 for removal of the shelf frombetween the channel flanges 7 and 9.

On the back of the flange 19 of the each shelf, belowthe lug 43, is alug 49. Lug 49, like lug 43, may be molded as an integral part of theshelf. These lugs 43 and 49 carry a metal bushing 51 (see FIG. 9,particularly) for the pivotal mounting on the back of the flange, 19 ofa catch 53 and a trip 55 for the catch. The bushing extends parallel tothe flange 19 in a plane perpendicular to the flange 19, being receivedin suitable openings in the lugs and having its ends projecting from thelugs. The catch 53 comprises a sheet metal stamping having an car 57overlying the upper lug 43. This car is provided with an openingreceiving the upper end of the bushing 51. The catch is also formed tohave a bottom arm 59 underlying the lower lug 49 and provided with anopening receiving the lower end of the bushing. Above the bar 57, thecatch has an upper arm 61 in the form of a hook. The trip 55 comprises alength of metal rod bent to have a portion 63 which is rotatablyreceived in the bushing 51, a laterally projecting upper arm 65, aportion 67 extending downward from the outer end'of arm 65, and anangled feeler arm 69 at the lower end of portion 67 below the level ofthe bottom of the'fiange 19.

The catch 53 is biased in clockwise direction as viewed from above (andas viewed in FIG. 3) by a spring 71 to the latching position shown bestin FIGS. 3 and wherein the hook 61 extends rearwardgenerally'perpendicular torthe flange 19; This position of the catch isdetermined by engagement of a portion 73 of the catch with the backof'the flange'19. The portion 67 of the trip 55 is engageable with thebottom arm 59 of the catch. The trip is biased in clockwise direction asviewed from above (and as viewed in FIG. 3) by a spring 75 The bias ofspring 75 is weaker shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 and withthe respective' hook61 engaging the respective lug 77, the respective shelf is held latchedin the horizontal article-carrying position.

such as is shown in FIG. 1 for all the shelves and as shown in FIG.- 4for the two top shelves.

For operating the trips to operate the ca to release the shelves, thereis provided a rotary member ches 53 v 4 7 As to eachshelf (except thelowermost shelf), its trip 55 is released-for movement under the bias ofspring from the retracted position -to' an operative position such as isshown in FIG. 5 when the next shelf below is released from its raisedarticle-carrying position and swings downward. When a trip 55 is in itsretracted position, its lateral arm 65 lies clear of the path ofmovementof the respective finger 89 on the trip-operating bar 79. When atrip 55 is in its'operative position (the shelf which carries the tripbeing in the raised position), the lateral arm 65 of the trip ispositioned for engagement by the respective finger 89 011 the bar 79(see FIG. 5).

The c'onstruction'thus far described is the same as disclosed in theaforementioned US. Patent 2,896,817.

In accordance with this invention, each trip 55 has welded to the angledfeeler arm 69 thereof a length of metal rod 69a. This extra rod 69aextends lengthwise of arm 69 on the back side thereof and has arearwardly projecting curved finger 69b at its end'toward portion 67 oftrip 55. Also, fingers 89 on the trip operating bar 79 are modified asregards fingers 89 shown in US. Patent 2,896,817, each finger 89 havinga relatively wide base portion 89a (see particularly FIG. 11) thebottom'edge 89b of which constitutes a shoulder adapted for engagementby finger 69b on the respective trip in a manner that will be madeclear.

The trip-operating bar 79 normally occupies the retracted position inwhich it is shown in solid lines in FIG. 3. In this position, the leg ofbar 79 on which fingers 189 are formed projects from the vertical axisof the bar (determined by pivot pins 81 and '83) laterally toward theright from the axis (as viewed from the front of the magazine M), andfingers 89 extend laterally adjacent the back 11 of the magazineM. Bar79 is biased by a spring 92 to swing toward the stated retractedposition, the latter being determined by engagement of the ends ofcertain fingers 89 with portions of the back 11'of magazine M betweenthe rectangular openings 12 in back 11. In this respect, theconstruction is also different from the construction shown in US. Patent2,896,817 where fingers 89 in their retracted position extend toward thefront.

Means is provided for rotating the trip-operating bar 79 in clockwisedirection away from its stated retracted position as viewed from above(and as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 5) to a position such as shown in FIG. 6,and then back toretracted position for, operating atrip 55. As

shown in FIGS. 1.2 and 8, this means comprises a lever 93 pivoted at 95on the outsidevof flange 9 of channel 3 adjacent the lower end of thechannel. An ejector bar 7 97 has its rearward end pivotally connectedtothe upper end of the lever 93, as indicated at 99, and extends'upwardand forward on'the outside of portion 13 of plate 5. A guidestrap suchas'indicated at 101 may be struck I flange 9 of channel 3 into a hole111 in lever 93. A lever,

79 which extends vertically within the channel 3 in back of the shelves.This member 79 consists of a sheet metal angle bar having pivot pins 81and 83 welded to its upper and lower ends. The pin 81 is journaled in alug 85 struck in from the back of the channel 31near the upper end ofthe channel, and the pin 83is journaled in a lug.

87 struck in from the back of the channel near the lower end of thechannel. The bar 79 has a plurality of fingers shelf. As to each shelf(except the uppermost shelf),

when it is held by its catch 53 in its raised article-carrywith thelateral arms 65 of the out fromplate 5 for guiding bar 97. This is notessential. A lever 183 is pivoted at 105 for swinging ona vertical axison a bracket 107 secured to the back 11 of magazine M. Lever 103 extendthrough a slot 109 in 113 is pivoted at 115 on bracket 10'] for swingingmovement on a vertical axis in a plane above lever 103. Lever 113 base.cam slot 119. Lever 103 carries a roller 121 which extends into the slot119. A triangular plate 123 constituting a crank is welded to the lowerend of bar 79. A crank pin '125 extends down from plate123'into the slot119. v The ejectorbar 97 and the lever 93 normally occupy the rearwardretracted position in which they are shown in FIG. 1. With bar 97 andlever 93 in retracted position, the trip-operating bar 79 is in itsretracted position illustrated inFIGS. 3, 5 and 8. On pulling out theejector bar 97,'lever 93'is swung forward (clockwise as viewed in FIG.1). This swings lever 183 clockwise as viewed ing position, its cam 91engages the feeler 69 of the trip 1 Q 55 of the next shelf above to holdthis trip in a retracted pos1t1on such as is shown for the shelf 15? iFIG. 3.

in FIG. 8. The roller 121 on lever 103 swings lever 113 counterclockwiseas viewed in FIG. 8, and lever 113, 755

acting through crank pin 125 extending into slot 119 in lever 113,rotates the trip-operating bar 79 in clockwise direction as viewed inFIGS. 3, 5 and 8 away from its retracted position shown in FIGS. 3, 5and 8 to the position shown in FIG. 6. On return of the ejector bar toits rearward retracted position (as by pushing it back), thetrip-operating bar 79 is rotated in counterclockwise direction back toits retracted position.

Means is provided for locking the entire mechanism out of operation whenthe top shelf t has been released. As shown best in FIGS. 1 and 4, thismeans comprises a latch 131 mounted for vertical sliding movement on theoutside of flange 9 of channel 3 adjacent its lower end. The mounting ofthis latch is effected by means of screws 133 extending through verticalslots 135 in the latch and threaded in flange 9. Pivoted at 137 on theinside of the flange 9 of channel 3 adjacent its upper end is a bellcrank lever 139. One arm 141 of this lever extends downward forengagement by the back of the flange 19 of the top shelf 5i when thisshelf is in its raised article-carrying position (see FIG. 4). The otherarm 143 of this lever extends rearward and has a finger 145 whichprojects laterally outward through an opening 147 in flange 9 and plate5. A wire .151 connects finger 145 and the latch 3.31. When the shelf15! is in raised position, the bell crank lever 139 is held in theposition shown in FIG. 4 and acts through the wire 151 to hold the latchin the raised position shown in FIG. 1. When the shelf 15! is released,the bell crank lever is released and the latch slides down under its ownweight into a position wherein it blocks the lever 93 from swingingforward, thereby locking the mechanism out of operation.

It will be understood a plurality of magazines, such as above described,are mounted side-by-side in a vending machine cabinet (not shown) andthat push-pull rods are provided which extend out of the front of thecabinet for actuating the ejector bars 97 of the magazines.

In a typical vending machine in which the magazines are used, access tothe forward end of the lowermost shelf 15b for raising it is blockedwhen this shelf is in its lowered position. Accordingly, means isprovided for swinging the lowermost shelf 15b back into its raisedhorizontal position which is readily accessible. As shown best in FIGS.1 and 2, this means comprises a lever 153 pivoted at 155 on the insideof the flange 9 of channel 3 toward the lower end of the channel. Alever 157 is pivoted at 159 on the inside of flange 9 toward the upperend of the channel. A wire 161 connects the levers 153 and 155. Lever153 has a roller 163 for engaging the bottom shelf 15b, the arrangementbeing such that by swinging lever 157 down, lever 153 is raised to raisethe shelf 1517.

Operation is as follows:

Assuming that all the shelves are latched in their raised horizontalarticlecarrying position as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 by engagementof the hooks 61 of the catches 53 with the lugs 77, the trips of all theshelves, except the bottom shelf 15b, will occupy their retractedposition such as is shown for the uppermost shelf 15)? in FIG 3. Thetrip for the bottom shelf will occupy its operative position such as isshown for the trip in FIG. 5. It will be understood that each shelf willcarry an article such as a bar of candy to be dispensed. On the firstpull-out and return of the ejector bar 97, the trip-operating bar '79 isrotated away from the retracted position in which it appears in FIGS. 3,5 and 8 to an advanced position such as shown in FIG. 6. Upon rotationof the trip-operating bar 79 from its retracted position to the statedadvanced position, the lowermost finger 89' on the bar engages thelateral arm of the trip 55 of the bottom shelf, and rotates this trip 55in counterclockwise direction as viewed from above. Portion 67 of thetrip being in engagement with the bottom arm 59 of the catch 53 of thebottom shelf, the hook 61 of the catch is rotated out of engagement withthe respective lug 77 thereby to free the shelf 15b so that it may swingdownward under its own weight and the weight of the item thereon. Noneof the shelves above the bottom shelf are released, however, becausetheir trips are in retracted position. With trip-operating bar 79 in itsadvanced FIG. 6 position, the downward swing of the bottom shelf 15b isarrested by engagement of finger 691; on trip 55 of the bottom shelfwith the bottom shoulder 89b of the lowermost finger 89 on thetrip-operating bar 79 temporarily to hold the bottom shelf in anintermediate inclined position corresponding to that illustrated for thethird shelf down from the top in FIG. 10. This gives time for the itemon the bottom shelf to tilt down with the shelf. Then, when thetrip-operating bar 79 returns to retracted position, finger 69b isreleased from under the lowermost finger 89 on the bar to allow thebottom shelf to complete its downward swing. The item on the bottomshelf then drops off, fiatwise drop being avoided by reason of the tiltof the item.

When the bottom shelf 15b is released and swings downward, the cam 91 onthe back of the flange 19 of the bottom shelf moves away from the feeler69' of the trip 55 of the second shelf. The trip 55 of the second shelfthereupon moves under the bias of spring from its retracted position toits operative position. Then the next time the trip-operating bar 79 isrotated away from and back to its retracted position by pulling out andpushing in the ejector bar 97, the second shelf is released to swingdownward and dispense the article thereon. The release of the secondshelf is eflected in the same manner as that above described for thebottom shelf, except that it is the second finger upon thetrip-operating bar 79 that effects the release. None of the shelvesabove the second shelf are released, however because their trips are inretracted position. When the second shelf is released, the trip 55 ofthe third shelf is released, and the next time the bar 79 is operated,the third shelf is released. In each instance, the shelf is arrested inthe intermediate inclined position such as shown for the third shelfdown from the top in FIG. 10 by engagement of the finger 69b on the trip55 of the shelf with the respective finger 89 on the trip-operating bar79, then re-released to allow it to complete its drop upon return of bar79 to retracted position.

Thus, the shelves are successively released, with delayed action as toeach shelf to avoid fiatwise drop of the item thereon, starting with thelowermost shelf on up to the top shelf. When the top shelf is releasedand the magazine is empty, the latch 139 slides down and locks the bar9'7 against operation. To restore the shelves to raised position, thelowermost shelf is raised by means of lever 157, then the remainingshelves are raised by lifting their forward ends.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above con structions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention it is intended that all mattercontained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawngsshall be interpreted as illustrated and not in a limitmg sense.

What is clai ed is:

1. Article dispensing mechanism comprising a plurality of shelveslocated one above another, each shelf being pivoted for swingingmovement on a horizontal axis and adapted to swing downward from agenerally horizontal article-carrying position to a generally verticaldischarge position for discharge of an article thereon, means forholding the shelves in said article-carrying position, and means forsuccessively releasing the shelves, starting with the lowermost shelf,said releasing means including means for delaying downward swing of eachshelf to avoid flatwise drop of the article thereon, said delaying meanscomprising means operable upon the release of each shelf for arrestingthe downward swing of the'shelf and temporarily holding it in anintermediate inclined position prior to discharge of the article carriedby the shelf.

2. Article dispensing mechanism comprising a plurality of shelveslocated one above another, each shelf being pivoted for swingingmovement on a horizontal axis at one end thereof and adapted to swingdownward from a generally horizontal article-carrying position to agenerally vertical discharge position for discharge of an article t ion, means for latching the shelves in said article-carrying positionincluding a series of catches, one for each shelf, means forsuccessively releasing the catches, starting with the catch for thelowermost shelf, comprising a series of trips, one for each catch, and arelease bar movable away from and back to a retracted position'forsuccessively operating the trips, starting with the trip for the catchfor the lowermost shelf, each trip being movable between a retractedposition clear of the bar and an operative position engageable by thebar and biased toward operative position, each shelf when inarticle-carrying position being engageable with the trip for the catchfor the next shelf above to hold this trip in retracted position clearof the bar, said bar on successive operations thereof being engageablewith the trip for the catch of the lowermost shelf and then engageablewith the trips for the catches of each successive shelfas eachsuccessive trip moves into Operative position on downward swing of thenext shelf below, and said releasing means including means for delayingdownward swing of each shelf to avoid flatwise drop of the articlethereon, said delaying means comprising means operable upon release ofeach shelf for arresting the downward swing of the shelf and temporarilyholding it in an intermediate inclined position.

3. Article dispensing mechanism comprising a support, a plurality ofshelves carried by the support located one above another, each shelfbeing pivoted on the support for swinging movement on a horizontal axisat one end of the shelf and adapted to swing downward from a generallyhorizontal article-carrying position to'a generally vertical dischargeposition for discharge of an article thereon, means for latching theshelves insaid article-carrying position comprising a series of catches,one for each shelf, each catch being mounted on the respective shelf,and means on the support engageable by the catches for holding theshelves each in its said article-carrying position, means forsuccessively releasing the catches, starting a with the catch for thelowermost shelf, comprising a series of trips, one; for each catch, anda release bar mounted on said support for swinging movement on avertical axis at said end of the shelves away from and back to aretracted position for successively operating the trips, startbar and anoperative position engageable by the bar and biased toward operativeposition,: each shelf wheniin artiole-carrying position being engageablewith the trip on swinging movementon a horizontal axis at one end of theshelf and adapted to swing downward from a generally the next shelfabove to hold this trip in retracted position clear of the bar, said baron successive actuations thereof" being engageable with the trip on thelowermost shelf and then engageable with the trips'on successive shelves.as each successive trip moves into operative position on downward swingof the next'shelf below, and said releasing means including means fordelaying the downward swing of each shelf to avoid flatwise drop of thearticle thereon, said delaying means comprising means operable uponrelease of each shelf for arresting the downward swing of the shelf andtemporarily holding it in an intermediate inclined position.

4. Article dispensing mechanism comprising a plurality of shelveslocated one above another, each shelf being pivoted for swingingmovement on a horizontal axis and adapted ,to swing downward fromagenerally horizontal article-carrying position for discharge of anarticle thereon, means for holding the shelves in said arti- 8ole-carrying position, and means for successively releasing thejshelves,starting with the lowermost shelf, said releasing means including meansfor delaying downward swing of each shelf to axoid flatwise drop of thearticles thereon, said delaying means comprising means operable uponrelease of each shelf for arresting the downward swing of the shelf andtemporarily holding it in an intermediate inclined position, saidreleasing means including a manually operable member movable away fromand back to a retracted position, and said arresting means being movableaway from ai retracted position into position for arresting downwardswing of the shelf in response to movement of said member away fromretracted posi tion, and movable back to retracted position on return ofsaid member to retracted position for release of the shelf to allow itto complete its downward swing.

5. Article dispensing mechanism comprising a plurality of shelveslocated one above another, each shelf being pivoted for swingingmovement on a horizontal axis at one end thereof and adapted to swingdownward from a generally horizontal article-carrying position fordischarge of an article thereon, means for latching the shelves in saidarticle-carrying position including a series of catches, one for eachshelf, means for successively releasing the catches, starting with thecatch for the lowermost shelf, comprising a series of trips, one foreach catch, and a release bar movable away from and back to a retractedposition for successively operating the trips, starting with the tripfor the catch for the lowermost shelf, each trip being movable between aretracted position clear of the bar and an operative position engageableby the bar and biased toward operative position, each shelf when inarticle-carrying position being engageable with the trip for the catchfor the next shelf above to hold this trip in retracted position clearof-the bar, said bar on successive operations thereof beingengageablewith the trip for the catch of'the lowermost shelf and thenengageable with the trips for the catches of each successive shelf aseach successive trip moves into operative position on downward swing ofthe next shelfbelow, said releasing means including means for delayingdownward swing of each shelf to avoid flatwise drop of the articlethereon, said delaying means comprising means operable upon release ofeach shelf for arresting the'downward swing of the shelf and temporarilyholding it in an intermediate inclined position, and said arrestingmeans comprising means on each shelf engageabie with said bar uponmovement of said bar away from retracted position and resultant releaseof the shelf to arrest the shelf in said intermediate position, theshelf being released to allow it to complete its downward swing uponreturn of said bar toretracted position. I p

6; Article dispensing mechanism comprising a support, a plurality ofshelves carried by the support located one above another, each shelfbeing pivoted on the support for horizontal article-carrying positionfor discharge of an article thereon, means for latching the shelves insaid article-carrying position comprising a series of catches, one foreach shelf, each catch being mounted on the respective shelf, and meanson the support engageable by thecatchcs for holding the shelves each 'inits said articlecarrying' position, 'means for successively releasingthe catches, starting with the catch for the lowermost shelf, comprisinga'series of trips, one for each catch, and a release barmounted on saidsupportfor swinging movement on a vertical axis at said end oftheshelves away from and back to a retracted position for successivelyoperating the trips, starting with the trip for theccatch for thelowermost shelf,"each trip being mounted .on the respective shelf formovement thereon between a retracted positionclear of the bar and anoperative position engageable by the bar and biased toward operativeposition, each shelf when in article-carrying position being engageablewith the trip on the next shelf above to hold this trip in retractedposition clear of the bar, said bar on successive actuations thereofbeing engageable with the trip on the lowermost shelf and thenengageable with the trips on successive shelves as each successive tripmoves into operative position on downward swing of the next shelf below,said releasing means including means for delaying the downward swing ofeach shelf to avoid fiatwise drop of the article thereon, said delayingmeans comprising means operable upon release of each shelf for arrestingthe downward swing of the shelf and temporarily holding it in anintermediate inclined position, and said arresting means comprisingmeans on each shelf engageable with said bar upon movement of said baraway from retracted position and resultant release of the shelf toarrest the shelf in said intermediate position, the shelf being releasedto allow it to complete its downward swing upon return of said bar toretracted position.

7. Article dispensing means as set forth in claim 6 10 wherein said barhas a series of fingers, one for each trip, each engageable with therespective trip when the latter is in its operative position forreleasing the respective catch, and wherein said means on each shelfengageable with said bar comprises a finger 0n the trip on the shelf,the finger on each trip on each shelf being engageable with therespective finger on the bar when the latter is moved away fromretracted position and the shelf is released to arrest the shelf in saidintermediate position, the finger on the trip being released to allowthe shelf to complete its downward swing on return of the bar toretracted position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,525,682 Kaplan Oct. 10, 1950 2,884,163 Du Grenier Apr. 28, 19592,896,817 Holstein July 28, 1959 2,907,435 Oakes Oct. 6, 1959

1. ARTICLE DISPENSING MECHANISM COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF SHELVESLOCATED ONE ABOVE ANOTHER, EACH SHELF BEING PIVOTED FOR SWINGINGMOVEMENT ON A HORIZONTAL AXIS AND ADAPTED TO SWING DOWNWARD FROM AGENERALLY HORIZONTAL ARTICLE-CARRYING POSITION TO A GENERALLY VERTICALDISCHARGE POSITION FOR DISCHARGE OF AN ARTICLE THEREON, MEANS FORHOLDING THE SHELVES IN SAID ARTICLE-CARRYING POSITION, AND MEANS FORSUCCESSIVELY RELEASING THE SHELVES, STARTING WITH THE LOWERMOST SHELF,SAID RELEASING MEANS INCLUDING MEANS FOR DELAYING DOWNWARD SWING OF EACHSHELF TO AVOID FLATWISE DROP OF THE ARTICLE THEREON, SAID DELAYING MEANSCOMPRISING MEANS OPERABLE UPON THE RELEASE OF EACH SHELF FOR ARRESTINGTHE DOWNWARD SWING OF THE SHELF AND TEMPORARILY HOLDING IT IN ANINTERMEDIATE INCLINED POSITION PRIOR TO DISCHARGE OF THE ARTICLE CARRIEDBY THE SHELF.